Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, openly champions the cinema experience while acknowledging the essential role that streaming services play in today?s film landscape. His insights highlight the evolving dynamics of how audiences consume movies in the digital age.
There is perhaps no bigger advocate for Netflix than its own CEO, Ted Sarandos. It seems like every few weeks, he makes headlines with comments about the film industry that some might find tone-deaf, all while he heaps praise on his own company. Sarandos’ unwavering support for Netflix raises questions about the future of cinema and how streaming platforms can coexist with traditional theaters.
In a recent appearance on the podcast What a Joke with Tom and Fortune, hosted by Tom Papa and Fortune Feimster, Ted Sarandos praised the unique and immersive experience that cinema provides. However, he quickly added that this isn?t the only way to enjoy a film. He pointed out a striking statistic: ?Most people don?t live anywhere near a movie theater. The average American consumer sees two movies a year in a theater, while the average Netflix member watches seven movies a month.? Sarandos emphasized that as consumer behaviors evolve, the convenience of streaming allows audiences to enjoy movies without the hassle of going out. He acknowledged the special nature of theaters but expressed gratitude for the accessibility that streaming offers, reflecting a broader trend in consumer preferences.
However, this raises an important question: do filmmakers truly envision their works being consumed primarily through streaming services? Sarandos noted that Netflix has become an ideal platform for filmmakers, as the landscape of audience engagement has transformed. He shared insights from conversations with directors, many of whom dreamt of seeing their films on the big screen, surrounded by an audience. He remarked, ?I talk to a lot of directors and respect that many grew up dreaming of a gigantic screen and a room full of strangers. It?s a tough business model anymore, and I hope theaters remain an option, but it will be increasingly challenging.? This reflects the tension between traditional cinematic experiences and the current streaming model.
Yet, Ted Sarandos’ argument for the merits of Netflix and streaming services begins to falter when considering the challenges filmmakers face today. While many prominent directors are indeed turning to Netflix, the suggestion that they should simply adapt to new distribution challenges can seem dismissive. It raises the question of whether Sarandos truly understands the creative aspirations of filmmakers, or if he is merely capitalizing on their need for wider distribution, regardless of the platform. The reality is that while filmmakers strive for their work to be seen, the shift towards streaming must not overlook the artistic intent behind the cinematic experience.
